Summer Programs

Yes, you can use your mobile device. However, if you have any issues registering your camper, please do not hesitate to call the camp office at 815.469.2319.

• Day Camp | $175 per week is the minimum payment due at registration.
  Balance due on June 1st. Payment reminders will be emailed. Spots will not be held if minimum payment is not made.

• REZ Camp | payment in full is due at the time of registration. Spots will not be held if payment is not made.

• SAMs Overnight Camp | payment in full is due at the time of acceptance into the program. 

No, you do not have to pay by Echeck. We do accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express). Echeck is the preferred method of payment. ECheck saves the Camp merchant fees, and paying less in fees helps us to keep the costs of camp low.

This is the button you will select to actually begin registering for the programs listed in that area.

Confirmation emails are sent immediately to any family who has registered for any session.  This email will include a household statement showing charges and payments towards the fees.

If you have not received a confirmation email, and it has been more than two business days since you registered, please call our office at 815.469.2319 to verify that your camper is registered.

This means that your camper is not registered. Minimum payment must be made in order to complete the process. 

If you feel your camper should be in a registered status, please give our office a call at 815.469.2319, and we will be glad to check your account.

If your camper has been placed on a waitlist, that means the program is filled. The only way a camper can be placed in a program once it is filled is if someone cancels. The office reviews the waitlist every week, and if a spot opens up, the parent of the camper will be called and/or emailed and given the opportunity to register for that spot. Please note, if a message is left, the parent has 24 hours to call and let the office know if they would like the spot before it is offered to another camper.

Please note that you must completed all forms and hit submit to be waitlisted. If your online account says "waitlisting", then you are not actually on the waitlist. It must say "waitlisted."

Log in using your log-in and password. From the Home Screen, find Summer Camp 2025 and select "View Details". Under the Forms section (top right), select the "Friend Request" for the week in which you need to provide us with names.  In the area provided, you can enter the first and last names of friends that you would like to request for your camper.

Please remember that groups larger than 4 will not be assigned together in order to foster the spirit of making friends.  All requested names must be listed on both registrations.  Friend requests for Day Camp must be of the same age group. Cabin & shelter assignments are emailed out on the Friday prior to the campers session. 

Yes, all programs and sessions are subject to change or cancellation fees.  Participants who wish to change or cancel must call the office 815.469.2319 no later than 10 days prior to the start of the relevant program in order to receive any refund, less the fees listed below.  Full refund given for documented emergency as long as it is before camp starts.  Campers who leave for any reason during their camp session will not receive a refund.

• Changes are subject to availability.

• Changes are subject to a $20 fee.

• Cancellations are subject to a $40 fee.

• Programs are subject to cancellation by Camp Manitoqua.  Participants will be notified 10 days prior to the event and given a full refund if the program is canceled.

• New as of summer 2025 - if you cancel before May 1, 2026, your cancellation fee is reduced to $20 per camper per session.

About 3 weeks before your child’s session, we will send out a final program letter with all of the information you need to prepare yourself and your child for camp. Also, shelter newsletters will be emailed the Friday before their session. Some of the information from the program letter can be found here.

We see the camp experience as being an important part of growth for every child. During the registration process, you will be asked a question about whether or not your child has an IEP, 504 plan, or other type of support at school. This does not exclude your child from participating in our programming, but helps us understand what supports your camper might need while attending. If you select "Yes" to the question, you will be emailed a "Camper Support" form to complete. This helps our staff know how to best care for your camper throughout their time here and gives us tips on how to help your child feel comfortable at camp.

We desire to be a supportive environment for all of our campers and also recognize that we may not be the best fit for all children. If Camp Manitoqua feels that we will be unable to provide the level of care that your child needs to be successful at camp, we will reach out to you directly. If you have questions about if Camp Manitoqua would be a good fit for your child, email our Program Coordinator, Nathalee, at nathalee@manitoqua.org

For Day Camp, campers should bring: Bible, one-piece swimsuit, towel, mesh bag for hang drying, gym shoes, extra clothes, sunscreen, bug repellent, water bottle, and optional spending money*.

For Overnight camp, campers should bring: a pillow, sleeping bag (or bedding for twin size bed) clothes for 5 days, toiletries for 5 days, Bible, one-piece swimsuit, towel for pool and shower, mesh bag for hang drying, gym shoes, pajamas, sunscreen, bug repellent, water bottle, and optional spending money*.

*Program-specific packing lists will be sent out three weeks before your camper comes to Camp. Please be sure to review that list to make sure your camper is adequately prepared for Camp.

When your camper is placed in Day Camp they will be assigned to a letter or multiple letters. The table below indicates the age breakdown: 

 Shelter Grade 

A/AA/AAA - 1st & 2nd 

 B/BB/BBB - 3rd & 4th 

C/CC/CCC - 5th & 6th  

D - 7th & 8th 

Because some age groups have multiple shelters, it is important for parents to see the age group breakdown.  Friend requests must be of the same age group and friends must request each other to be placed together.  Groups of 4 can be requested; no larger. Shelter assignments for each camper are emailed out on the Friday prior to camp beginning with the Newsletter.

A registered nurse and student nurse are on call at all times to respond to camper needs. Each day camp group has camp staff certified in first aid as well. Nursing staff stores and distributes all medications. Parents/caregivers are asked to bring any specific medications needed for their camper in a Ziploc bag with appropriate labeling. Nursing staff will follow the specific guidelines listed for prescriptions. 

Campers who require care beyond basic first aid will be cared for by the nurses. Examples of these needs include headaches, some cases of homesickness, nausea, etc. When your child visits the nurse, a nurse’s note will be sent home. Phone calls will be made in response to the following situations: permission to administer medication other than that given by parents/caregivers, head-related injuries, fever or stomach illness, severe cases of homesickness, and emergencies. There may be other situations that warrant a phone call home.

*Please note: if your camper goes home due to sickness or misses a day of camp, a refund will not be given. your answer here...

Behavior management is used when a camper’s behavior is outside the expected guidelines. Our behavior management plan includes responses at the following levels:

• Level 1: When the behavior is outside of guidelines, staff will redirect camper to an acceptable choice.
  

• Level 2: When behavior becomes disruptive or disrespectful, staff will give a verbal warning and/or remove camper from the situation or environment for a brief timeout.
  

• Level 3: When behavior continues after a level 2 response, area directors establish a written behavioral contract with the camper. Copies of the contract are sent home.
  
  Contracts include a 3 step consequence plan if the behavior is repeated:

• Step 1 - contract

• Step 2 - phone call home

• Step 3 - camper is sent home for the day (or if overnight camp, sent home for the remainder of the week)*
  
  Aggressive behavior is handled immediately by the Program Coordinator and constitutes an automatic behavior contract and phone call home.
  

• Level 4: Behavior after Step 3 may result in dismissal from the camp week or the entirety of summer program(s).
  
  Positive reinforcement is thread through all programs and levels of response to promote positive behaviors.

*Any camper sent home will not receive a refund.

• At all times, campers are expected to respect others and respect camp.

• No electronic or cellular devices are allowed at camp including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, or computers.

• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, and offensive language are prohibited.

• Modest and appropriate clothing must be worn while camp is in session.

• Clothing that reveals undergarments, short shorts (shorts must be at least fingertip length), tank tops with straps less than 2 fingers width, or clothes that reference drugs, alcohol, violence, and inappropriate innuendos are not allowed at camp.

• Athletic shoes with covered toes must be worn at all times. The only exception is swimming.

• Appropriate swimwear includes one-piece bathing suits and trunks.

In the case of severe weather, our staff is trained to calmly move campers to designated shelter areas. Campers will remain safely in these areas until an “all clear” has been issued. Our office regularly monitors weather and is equipped with a weather radio. 

During rainy days, staff will have indoor activities prepared. Each program has a specific indoor area for this time. If lightning is within 10 miles of camp, campers will be brought inside and will stay inside until lightning has been clear within 10 miles of camp for 30 minutes. 

We hire our summer staff with care and prayerful consideration. Camp Manitoqua holds personal interviews, runs national background checks, and requires multiple references for each staff member. All staff members go through a ten-day orientation before camp begins to equip them with the skills needed to care for children. This includes training in behavior management, schedules & planning, teamwork, leadership, CPR & First Aid, communication, and specific camp procedures.

Manitoqua seeks only the most qualified college-age students who are committed to working with children and youth. Most are studying areas such as education, social work, and youth ministry.

Items range in price from $0.50 to $25 and include stuffed animals, t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, postcards & stamps, Frisbees, jewelry, carabiners, and much more. 

The Camp Store is open Monday (during Rez drop off), Wednesday (1pm-5pm)and Friday (12pm - 3pm). All items can also be purchased on the online camp store as well!

The Pickle Shack, our snack shop, is open daily. Snacks for sale include bottled water, Gatorade, ice cream, chips, candy, pickles, and much more. Campers are limited to 3 sweet items a day. 

Campers have the option to visit the following areas: the pool/Aquatic Center, game room, pond, basketball courts, art hut, pickle shack or camp store (on days when open).  All areas are supervised with Manitoqua summer staff or lifeguards.  Campers will swim daily within their age groups during set swim times.

Adventure Zone activities for summer programs are grade specific. Participation is based on the grade that the camper is entering in the fall. Campers in these age groups will participate in one or more of the following activities during their time at camp, depending on their program. 

• Tree Climbing | 3rd +

• Initiative/Low Ropes Courses | 3rd +

• Climbing Towers & Zip Lines | 5th +

• High Ropes Course & Pamper Pole | 7th +

Extended care is offered both before and after Day Camp. Located in the game room of the lower level Dining Hall, extended care affords campers additional opportunities to interact and play. Activities can include active games such as carpet ball or box hockey, or relaxing activities such as card games, puzzles, and drawing. Extended care hours are 7:15-8:00 am and 4:45-6:00 pm. There is a ten dollar ($10) charge per camper per use, which will be applied to the week’s balance if not paid ahead or upon use.

Manitoqua summer programs exist to:

CONNECT children to Christ and His message of salvation, 
AID in their spiritual and character development, 
MAINTAIN an environment which fosters the building or deepening of relationships, 
PROMOTE the stewardship of God’s creation.

You can read more about us on the webpage: About Us

You can login to the parent page to view these letters using the password received with your registration confirmation. Program letters are only available to those who have registered for camp.

Yes, we have a lost and found located in the lower level of the Dining Hall. Parents are welcome to look for lost items at drop off and pick up times. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

The Aquatic Center is our pool facility located in the middle of camp.  The Aquatic Center includes water slides, a splash pad, and a zero depth entry pool (up to 3 & 1/2 foot depth).  Campers have the option to swim daily within their age groups during set swim times which is a great place to cool down on hot summer days!

Camp Manitoqua asks parents to pack a lunch for their camper. The packed lunch will be stored in a refrigerator until lunch time.

Yes, we do offer financial help through our scholarship application! Each year, some funding is allocated to assist families financially in sending their camper to camp. To apply for a scholarship fill out the form here, and email it to hunter@manitoqua.org. Scholarship funding is not guaranteed, and each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.